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Free A Level Psychology in Preston

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Advanced GCE in Psychology Course in Preston. Classes run at Cardinal Newman College, with full-time daytime study over two years. You'll explore the science behind human behaviour, covering research methods, memory and attention, obedience, brain biology, moral development, and individual differences. Year two focuses on applied psychology: mental health, criminal psychology, and sport psychology. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including at least grade 5 in Maths, English Language, and Science. The level 3 advanced gce in psychology qualification is awarded by OCR.

Who this course is for

Do you ever wonder why some people become aggressive and commit crimes? Have you ever questioned the extent to which individuals obey a person of authority? Have you ever thought about what you dream and why you dream it? Psychology will help you answer these questions and gain an insight into the motivations and reasons behind a range of behaviours. Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. If you are interested in learning about different types of behaviour and the explanations for these behaviours then Psychology might be for you. In the first year students will cover 2 units � Research Methods and Psychological Themes through Core Studies. Research methods looks at planning and conducting research, using self-reports, experiments, observations and correlations. It will also focus on data analysis and report writing. Psychological Themes through Core Studies � looks at key pieces of research linked to the main approaches within Psychology. These will relate to different topic areas: Social Psychology, which focusses on obedience and responses to authority; Cognitive Psychology, which looks at memory; Developmental Psychology, which is concerned with environmental influences on children�s behaviour; and Individual Differences which focusses on understanding disorders.

Entry requirements

Five Grade 5s at GCSE and at least a 5 in Maths, a 5 in English Language and at least a 5 in Science

What you will learn

  • You'll study research methods including experiments, self-report, observations, correlations, and statistical testing.
  • You'll examine social psychology topics such as obedience and helping behaviour.
  • You'll explore cognitive psychology, including how memory and attention work.
  • You'll investigate biological psychology, covering brain regions and brain plasticity.
  • You'll analyse developmental psychology, including external influences on behaviour and moral development.
  • You'll consider individual differences, including how disorders are understood and measured.
  • You'll engage with key psychological debates such as nature vs. nurture and free will vs. determinism.
  • You'll apply psychology to real-world areas including mental health, criminal behaviour, and sport.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Cardinal Newman College. The OCR Advanced GCE is assessed through written examinations. Year 12 covers research methods and core studies across five areas of psychology. Year 13 focuses on applied psychology units. Assessment is by external written exams at the end of the two-year course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cardinal Newman College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Human resources assistant: supports recruitment, training, and staff wellbeing.
  • Marketing assistant: applies behavioural insight to campaigns and consumer research.
  • Teaching assistant: supports learning in schools and educational settings.
  • Care assistant: provides support to people with mental health or social care needs.
  • Police or probation service role: works with offenders or supports criminal investigations.
  • Research assistant: collects and analyses data in academic or commercial settings.

What you could study next

The advanced gce in psychology qualification is a common entry route to a psychology degree or related degree such as criminology, sociology, or medicine. From there, postgraduate training opens routes into clinical, forensic, or educational psychology. You could also progress into degrees in law, human resources, or marketing, where understanding behaviour is directly relevant.

Apply on cardinalnewman.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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